Norovirus hits Fareham bakery customers

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A BAKERY has moved to reassure people after a bout of norovirus hit its staff and customers.

The bug, sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK and is highly contagious.

Soothills, in East Street, Fareham, released a statement after some of its affected customers took to Facebook to warn others.

The statement said: ‘Firstly I would like to state that Soothills has not been closed down and has never been under any threat of closure due to an outbreak of food poisoning or otherwise.

‘While we acknowledge that the bakery was examined by Environmental Health recently, it was due to, what would appear to be, an unfortunate outbreak of norovirus that affected staff and customers alike.’

Environmental Health officers from Fareham Borough Council investigated complaints made by members of the public.

A council spokesman said: ‘I can confirm that Soothills Bakery was not closed down. There has however been an outbreak of norovirus in the community recently.

‘Environmental Health officers have carried out some investigations but there is no conclusive evidence that links it to any premises.’

Soothills said it had taken ‘every possible precaution to avoid any further infection and to protect customers and staff under the guidance of Environmental Health.’

The statement from the bakery, which has a five-star rating for hygiene, said: ‘It is our duty to continually assess and improve in every aspect of health, safety and hygiene and we are very proud of our record in this respect.

‘Our management and staff strive continuously to maintain the highest possible standards at the fairest possible price for our customers.’